New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-12-24
THE TRIAL TRIP or THE CHICAGO.
CAPTAIN ROBESoN's OFFICIAL RrPoRT-THE MERITS
AND DEF CTS or THE VESSEL

CAPTAIN ROBEsoN's OFFICIAL REPoRr-THE MERITS
AND DEF CTS THE VESSEL
WASHINGTON. Dec. 23.-The Secretary OF tho Navy
has received official report from Captain H. b.
Robson, commanding the Chicago, in regard to tho
recent trial trip OF that vessel Io says tho trial
began at o 80 o'clock a. m, December 16 at FIX
ecution Rock Tho weather clear with a strong
breeze and moderate gales from tn northeast and wcst
ward. A far as Observed IN force of the wind did
not affect the speed, the ship having top hamper
whatever. The sea was moderate, except in that part
Of tho Sound to the eastward OF Sraford Point whore
a slight swell from the northwest experienced.
The distance carefully noted by bearings OF
objects on shore by the patent logs and the log chip.
these observations far possible, being taken
every half hour These data with allowance for
the tide, given In tabulatcd record OF speed
cOmpanying the report. showing that the distance re-
corded by the log slightly below the actual dis
lance shown By the bearings. Captain RobcsOn says
that the was extended further to the eastward
than at first intended, owing TO the temporary
disability OF the steering engine One Of the eccentric
straps became loose and required change from steam
to hand, and It was found desirable to make tho
with the steam steercr q S yht delay occurred
In the time Of running. The stcerer again became
disabled from tho Same cause, and the ship
stored by hand during the last hour Of tho run.
The SIX hour trial finished at 3 80, tho ship
having 81. 80 nautical miles by the chart, o. with
the allowance for tides 0OG3 nautical
miles. The mean speed obtained during
the run 151 knots and tho maximum speed
for any hour 1G3J knots The mean horse
power developed was 5,Osi and the maximum for
hour 524s. The machinery worked smoothly for
the entire and though the water occasionally
used the journals. the engines not stopped
or slowed down at any time during the trial. The
engines worked quickly and efficiently, and all sig
mails from deck were promptly answered. During
temporary adjustment of the steam stccrcr, the ship
was easily handled In the East River By working the
twin screws. No report IS made Of the air pressure,
It not considered her desirable necessary
to close the fire All the steam that could be
worked throu g the engines furnished by the blower
assisting the natural draft. Chief Engineer IIrndcr
reported that the ability Of the fire 10 main
tain the air pressure required by contract was proved
by tests al Chester.
Captain Robson says the shp steers we'll. and that
few minor defects corrected. the steam Secrer Will
give satisfactory results The steam capStan did not
work we'll and much difficulty experienced I'm
weighing he anchor. The reversing gcar OF the
aucl,r engine i"cS MT work ~ all and IFS present
condition makes n useless Captain Robson saws
that arrangement should be made to keep tho
chain a level with the barrel OF the capSian. The
pawls the gun deck caISan were all broken. and
should hc replaced with paNlS OF wrought iron. Owing
10 the horizontal position OF the anchor chains at
tarhcd 10 the lowcr edge 81 the main deck. the VIII
ratiOns I'm working the engine are excessive. Tho
steam trial clearly showed the necessity ~ making
haiches. II Is probable that the maximum speed
corrcsp oudlng TO tie developed horse power not
made this trial because Of the foul condition Of
Ia Gcsf.